"The Spins" - A.D. Kessler: A Mesmerizing Fusion of Jazz and Cerebral Lyricism
Artist: A.D. Kessler Single: The Spins Genre: Jazz, Indie, Alternative Release Date: June 28th, 2024
In a world where musical boundaries are constantly being pushed, A.D. Kessler emerges as a bold innovator with his debut single "The Spins" from the forthcoming album Cobalt Blue. Combining the thrilling spontaneity of jazz with the introspective depth of hip-hop and the intricate songcraft of great lyricists, Kessler has created a piece that is as unique as it is captivating.
"The Spins" opens with a disorienting blast of thumping bass, swinging drums, and a siren-like guitar that immediately grabs your attention. The track’s foundation is a repetitive, hypnotic guitar part paired with a walking, free bass line, creating a mesmerizing soundscape that feels both chaotic and harmonious. It’s a conversation between instruments, each voice distinct yet interwoven into a complex tapestry.
Kessler’s lyrics are deeply intertextual, inviting listeners into a cerebral experience that unfolds with each listen. Phrases like "Hour grow, compass spins" evoke a sense of timelessness and disorientation, perfectly complementing the song’s musical elements. It’s clear that every aspect of the track has been meticulously crafted, resulting in a sound that is both fresh and familiar.
There’s a raw, DIY quality to the production that adds to the track’s charm. It’s reminiscent of Elliott Smith’s introspective singing style, yet it’s propelled by the dynamic energy of a swing jazz group. This unlikely combination is refreshingly unique and feels almost hypnotic, drawing you deeper into its intricate layers with each listen.
"The Spins" is a testament to A.D. Kessler’s vision and artistry. It’s a thrilling, fresh sound that stands out in today’s musical landscape. If this single is any indication of what’s to come, Cobalt Blue is set to be a groundbreaking debut. Kessler has made music that he wanted to hear, and it’s safe to say that others will want to hear it too.
Check them out on socials:
https://adkessler.bandcamp.com/
https://instagram.com/a.d._kessler
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
Childish Gambino surprises us with Atavista, a polished re-release of his 2020 album 3.15.20. Gambino originally released the unfinished record during the Covid-19 pandemic as a rushed love letter to his apocalypse anxiety and to his fans. Needing a master and a mix, Gambino resurfaced the entire album and dropped it alongside a list of tour dates. Atavista is an intimate album that somehow maintains oodles of mystique and disconnectivity. The words to the songs are new, but the album's sound isn’t anything that we haven’t heard from Gambino before.